In a shocking turn of events, four Chilean men have been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into a series of burglaries targeting high-net-worth individuals, including sports stars. The group is allegedly linked to a break-in at the Ohio home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow on December 9, 2024. While Burrow’s name was not directly mentioned in court documents, investigators found a Bengals hat among the stolen items, leading to suspicions that his home may have been targeted during that robbery.
The four suspects—identified as Bastian Alejandro Morales, 23, Sergio Andres Cabello, 38, Jordan Francisco Sanchez, 22, and Alejandro Esteban Huaiquil-Chavez, 24—are facing serious charges including corrupt activity, participation in a criminal gang, and possession of burglary tools. According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a grand jury returned the indictment against the suspects, who were arrested after a months-long investigation spearheaded by the Southwest Ohio Burglary Task Force. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a nationwide burglary spree targeting the homes of wealthy individuals and public figures.
Authorities linked the group to several upscale burglaries across the country, including the one at Burrow’s residence in Hamilton County. During a traffic stop on January 10, 2025, Ohio State Police stopped a Chevrolet SUV carrying the four suspects. Investigators discovered an LSU football shirt—believed to be part of the stolen items—inside the vehicle, along with two Husky tools typically used to break into windows, which have been associated with South American criminal gangs.
Morales’ cellphone, which was allegedly in his possession at the time of the stop, further connected him to the scene of the Burrow burglary. Detectives were able to track the device to the area of Burrow’s home during the break-in, cementing the link between the suspects and the crime. This discovery adds more weight to the evidence suggesting that these criminals were part of an international burglary ring targeting affluent athletes and other high-profile individuals.
The investigation also revealed that three of the four suspects had provided fake identification to the authorities when they were initially detained, a tactic often employed by international criminals to avoid detection. The suspects were found to have overstayed their visas, which further complicates their legal situation. Authorities have pointed to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) as a potential loophole exploited by organized crime rings from Chile, allowing criminals to enter the United States multiple times without undergoing thorough background checks.
The burglary spree has been a growing concern for both law enforcement and professional athletes. The FBI has identified a pattern of “transnational South American Theft Groups” that have been targeting the homes of professional athletes and other high-net-worth individuals. Not only have NFL stars like Joe Burrow been affected, but athletes from other major sports leagues—including the NBA and NHL—have also been victims of these coordinated heists. In addition to Burrow, Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr., and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić have also been targeted by these burglars.
As of now, the four men remain in custody without bail, facing charges in Ohio for their involvement in the burglary ring. The investigation continues as authorities search for more suspects and evidence linking these individuals to other unsolved crimes. The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s surveillance of the suspects, including their stay at a hotel in Fairfield prior to their arrest, has been critical in cracking the case. Law enforcement is now focused on disrupting the larger network behind the crimes, hoping to bring an end to the burglary ring that has been plaguing wealthy individuals across the country.
In a statement, Ohio Attorney General Yost expressed his frustration with the international nature of the crimes and the challenges posed by criminals exploiting the U.S. immigration system. The suspects’ arrest is seen as a significant victory in the fight against organized crime, but the larger issue of international burglary rings remains a major concern for authorities. The FBI has been closely involved in the investigation, working in tandem with local law enforcement agencies to dismantle the groups targeting the rich and famous.
Burrow’s home, which was ransacked during the December 9 break-in, is just one of many upscale properties that have been targeted in recent months. As law enforcement agencies continue to connect the dots between various burglaries, the sports world has been rocked by the realization that some of its biggest stars are not immune to criminal activity. For athletes like Burrow, who are frequently on the road, the threat of home burglaries is a constant concern, prompting many to increase their home security measures.
The NFL and NBA, in collaboration with the FBI, have issued public warnings to players and teams about the rising threat of home burglaries. These organizations have urged athletes to take extra precautions to secure their properties, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect their homes and families. Despite these warnings, the frequency of these crimes suggests that more needs to be done to prevent such targeted break-ins.
For the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow, the impact of the burglary is still being felt. While Burrow was not at home during the break-in, the intrusion into his private space has raised questions about how athletes can better safeguard their homes and personal belongings. The emotional toll of having one’s home invaded, coupled with the financial losses incurred from stolen items, has led many athletes to rethink their security protocols.
In the wake of these arrests, the investigation is expected to expand as authorities piece together the broader network of criminals involved in this widespread theft operation. With the ongoing threat of these transnational theft groups, law enforcement agencies are calling for increased collaboration and enhanced security measures to protect not only athletes but other high-net-worth individuals who are increasingly becoming targets of sophisticated criminal organizations.
The arrests of the Chilean suspects mark a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the national burglary spree, but the larger challenge remains—how to stop these criminals from exploiting loopholes in the immigration system and targeting vulnerable individuals. While the legal process unfolds for the suspects in Ohio, investigators are continuing their efforts to dismantle the larger criminal network, hoping to bring an end to the reign of terror that has plagued the homes of the rich and famous across the United States.